Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Sacramento, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Atlanta, GA is 9.4% cheaper than Sacramento, CA. This translates to saving $705 per month.

What salary do I need in Atlanta, GA to live like I do in Sacramento, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Sacramento, CA, you'd need approximately $141,538.462 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sacramento, CA and Atlanta, GA?

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 28.4% cheaper than in Sacramento, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Sacramento, CA to Atlanta, GA?

Moving from Sacramento, CA to Atlanta, GA could save you approximately $705 per month, or $8462 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sacramento, CA vs Atlanta, GA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Sacramento, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $705/month moving to Atlanta, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.5K in Atlanta, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$705

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Sacramento, CA

Population:525K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$460K

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:

(9% below avg)

Median Home:$441K

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 525K residents.

Atlanta, GA

The Peach State

499K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Capital of the South
•Delta Air Lines headquarters

Major Industries

TransportationTechnologyFilm ProductionFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Sacramento, CA vs Atlanta, GA

Category	Sacramento, CA	Atlanta, GA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,664/mo	$2,625/mo	↓ $1,039less	28.4%
Other	$1,808/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $117more	6.5%
Groceries	$1,059/mo	$959/mo	↓ $99.93less	9.4%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$585/mo	↑ $54.64more	10.3%
Healthcare	$620/mo	$589/mo	↓ $30.98less	5.0%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,448/mo	↑ $27.32more	1.9%

Housing

↓ 28.4%

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$1,039

less

Other

↑ 6.5%

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$117

Groceries

↓ 9.4%

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

$99.93

less

All Utilities

↑ 10.3%

Sacramento, CA

$530

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$54.64

Healthcare

↓ 5.0%

Sacramento, CA

$620

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

$30.98

less

Transportation

↑ 1.9%

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$27.32

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,690

To$1,865

↑ $175

1 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,950

↑ $180

2 Bed

From$2,180

To$2,140

↓ $40.00

3 Bed

From$2,900

To$2,565

↓ $335

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/mo

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,102

Monthly in Sacramento, CA

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$971

Difference

Home Values

Sacramento

Atlanta

$460K

Median Value

$441K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +18.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$352K - $969K

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 4% less expensive than Sacramento

Calculate payment - Sacramento Calculate payment - Atlanta

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$181

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Sacramento, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Atlanta, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Additional Tax Information

Sacramento, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.